1
as in fight
a forceful effort to reach a goal or objective
passing the medical licensing exam was an uphill battle, but she succeeded
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in skirmish
a physical dispute between opposing individuals or groups
a battle between rival gangs left two people lying dead on the street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in field
active fighting during the course of a war
soldiers who desperately wanted to forget the horrors that they had witnessed in battle
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4
as in rivalry
an earnest effort for superiority or victory over another
the chess game was a real battle between two of the world's best players
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1
2
3
as in to fight
to oppose (someone) in physical conflict
the two armies battled each other for control of the bridge
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to oppose
to strive to reduce or eliminate
we must battle hunger and poverty wherever they exist
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of battle
Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Their story, handwritten in a leather notebook, is told in reflection by the 80something version of Noah, who lives in a nursing home with his wife, Allie, who is losing her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Credit Colorado for battling back.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for battle
Noun
Grogu adorably taps Pascal’s helmet amid a tense battle moment, and later the little guy has other cute moments like sneezing and frolicking down a flight of stairs.
—Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2026
Their story, handwritten in a leather notebook, is told in reflection by the 80something version of Noah, who lives in a nursing home with his wife, Allie, who is losing her battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Apr. 2026
Verb
The Heat battled hard to try to survive playing without Adebayo for most of Tuesday’s game, but ultimately couldn’t close the door on the Hornets.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Credit Colorado for battling back.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for battle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for battle
Noun
-
The Republican candidates, State Senator Mayes Middleton and Central Texas Congressman Chip Roy, are in a very contentious fight.—
Jack Fink
April 12,
CBS News,
12 Apr. 2026
-
The crowd laughed, and the Parenthood actor noted that people intervened and broke up the fight.—
Lexi Carson,
HollywoodReporter,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With no end to the larger skirmish in sight, fears persist that the shipment of medical supplies could remain at risk.—
Justin Klawans,
TheWeek,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The early skirmishes certainly appeared that way.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
McIlroy followed his first-round 67 with a second-round 65 on Friday and stands 12-under 132 — six shots clear of the field.—
Stan Awtrey,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Carson Benge bobbled a ball in left field, turning a leadoff single into a double for Jacob Wilson, and former Mets utilityman Jeff McNeil sent him home with a single.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Penguins showed a video tribute honoring Ovechkin and his longstanding rivalry with Crosby during a television timeout in the second period.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The couple has previously playfully acknowledged their rivalry.—
Helen Murphy,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Elon Musk’s Starship and Jeff Bezos’ Blue Moon landers are both competing to prove their company’s lander will be ready first.—
Stephen Sorace,
FOXNews.com,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Agencies that invest in training and oversight compete with others operating under no formal requirements.—
Jake Krilovich,
Boston Herald,
12 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Most of the 52 Democrats facing these penalties are required to pay $8,354 each.—
Jack Fink,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The ceasefire brokered by Pakistan still faces hurdles in the talks beginning Saturday, as Israel and Hezbollah militants have been trading fire along the border of southern Lebanon and Iran has set conditions before negotiations can begin.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
However, fast-dry or humidity-resistant adhesives and paints can help combat less-than-ideal weather.—
Maddie Topliff,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Among the most controversial recent amendments to German cultural policy came in 2024, when German parliament approved a declaration aimed at combating antisemitism.—
Tessa Solomon,
ARTnews.com,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There was no sign former leader Aung San Suu Kyi would be freed or if the pardon would include the thousands of political detainees imprisoned for opposing military rule.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Yarris’ case is also familiar to many fans of Joe Rogan, since Yarris, who became an advocate for those who oppose the death penalty, sat for interviews just before the pandemic.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Battle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/battle. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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